Islamabad: Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani emphasized the necessity of equal participation of women in Pakistan’s economic and political spheres, stating that the country’s full potential could only be realized with women’s active involvement. Speaking at the Pakistan Women Leadership and Policy Summit 2026, organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gillani highlighted the importance of creating systems that enable women to lead and contribute to national progress.

According to Senate of Pakistan, Gillani underscored that Pakistan’s progress depends on whether women have equal access to education, finance, technology, and decision-making roles. He called for robust policy measures and institutional reforms to ensure the protection and empowerment of women, advocating for their role as entrepreneurs, policymakers, and leaders. The Acting President pointed to past initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme as examples of empowering women and called for continued efforts to create inclusive environments across various sectors.

Gillani also commended the historical contributions of women leaders in Pakistan and urged stakeholders to focus on practical agendas that enhance women’s access to finance, digital inclusion, and leadership opportunities. He concluded by stressing that women’s empowerment is critical to national development and urged institutions to remove barriers, ensuring a level playing field for women across the country.